Chasing the elusive, inexpensive inflatable...

[Wetstuff]

INDIANA has released what may be their third evolution of inflatable foil boards and Naish has, what looks to be, a very well sorted S25 Hover wing for 2021 with surely more labels to offer new versions.  As a cheap ole' Fuc and compulsive tinkerer, I want one for <50% of the going rate.  This particular test board is 9-0 x 30.  Thanks to OBX Dave... my friend Joe has his first foil - a GONG Surf Pro XL.  I am suiting him up with covers for the masts and other bits ..in exchange for being a 'test pilot'.  This was Joe's very first outing on any sort of foil.

Even tho' ..I got many things right, the internal 'stiffener plate' failed. By cutting out a hole for the stick-on carbon foil mount I ended up reducing the effective width of the plate from 11" to <4".  It buckled at the rear of the cutout. Luckily, there was crap for waves but a nice day, so not much wasted.  I have got a stainless sheet out back that is begging for some work...

Jim

[surfcowboy]

Ya learn more from the failures.

Keep us posted and it's cool that the fabric didn't fail.

[Wetstuff]

' Perhaps a bit odd, but I like failure, Cowboy.  I find if something works the first time, I tend to go to the next 'thing' and not improve the prior.  The cloth is furniture mesh - great under tension. I have tougher, but also harder to work with.

Jim

[burchas]

The combination between cheap ole' Fuc and a compulsive tinkerer can bring wonderful things to life. Keep us posted.
And on a lighter note, if you can make this work, I'll want to see the Doggie foil vest version next.  Could be a good market for this. Who wouldn't want their dog to fulfill its role as a companion when out there working on flat water dead starts